DEC proposes additional free fishing days

Submitted

Thu, Mar 23rd 2017 04:15 pm

Now available for public review

Based on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's
signed legislation in 2014 authorizing additional statewide free fishing days,
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is proposing four
free sport fishing days be added to complement the state's existing free sport
fishing days. DEC is seeking public comments on the proposed changes.

First established in 1991, free
sport fishing days allow New York residents and non-residents to fish for free
without a fishing license at any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000
miles of rivers and streams.

The free events give people who
might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport at no cost, introduce people
to a new hobby, and encourage people to support the sport by purchasing a New
York state fishing license.

The proposed additions are:

•Presidents Day Weekend (the
weekend immediately preceding Presidents Day in the month of February) - These
two days generally coincide with winter recess for schools, making it ideal for
families to try ice fishing.

•National Hunting and
Fishing Day (one day) - This day takes place annually on the fourth Saturday in
September and links to events taking place nationwide. Fishing at this time of
year is generally good for many species, including fall salmon fishing in the
Great Lakes tributaries.

•Veterans Day (one day) - Fishing
is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an
excellent tribute to veterans and those currently serving. Cuomo specified
Veterans Day as a free fishing day in 2015, and this proposal would make it a
permanent free fishing day.

In addition, to avoid confusion
concerning the existing free fishing days in June, DEC is proposing the
regulation be changed from "the weekend which includes the last Saturday in
June," to the "last full weekend in June."

Defining specific free fishing
days allows DEC to more effectively promote these days well in advance of their
occurrence, ultimately increasing public participation. Furthermore, having a
designated set of free fishing days allows those planning vacations around
these dates to do so without issue.

Public comments will be accepted
through May 6. Comments can be sent to the address below or emailed to [email protected] (enter "Free Sport
Fishing Days" in the subject line).